The workshop which reported on the research outcomes of Nigeria's mining sector by Murdoch University explored how the extractives sector could contribute positively to the nation's economic indices.

 

In his remarks, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development Mr. Baba Umar Farouk, who was represented at the event by the Director of Metallurgical Inspectorate and Raw Materials Mr. Obienu Nath said the workshop is coming at a time when the nation is earnestly seeking to diversify its income source from oil and said government would continue to provide legal frameworks to ensure best practices in the sector.

 

"Due to the socio-economic impact of mining in Nigeria, even though at small scale level, the state and local governments will be carried along in all of the Federal Governments policies. This workshop is timely given the change agenda of the new government," he said.

 

Mr. Farouk said structural developments in the solid minerals sector would be given adequate attention in the Federal Government's Integrated Infrastructure Master plan

 

In his remarks, the Australian High Commission to Nigeria Jon Richardson said bilateral trade between his country and Nigeria spans over a lot of sectors and has been on for years, wishing it would continue through the solid minerals sector.

 

"Nigeria is a large exporter of crude oil to Australia and total trade is well over $2billion. The mining sector is very important as we have a lot of Australian mining companies currently exploring and developing a few mining projects in Nigeria.

 

"At the moment, Nigeria is still at an infancy stage of developing its solid minerals and this workshop is about planning the future of the mining industry in Nigeria, and how Australia hopes to contribute to it," he said.

 

President of the Miners Association of Nigeria Alhaji Sani Shehu on his part said government investment in the sector is inadequate and there is need for dedicated funding for the mining industry. He called for a sustained partnership between the foreign mining investors and indigenous operators.

Source : allafrica.com